Digital Images

SC 554104

DP 105254

General view of James Watt's Cottage, Kinneil, Bo'ness, taken from the North-East. This remains of this small building are situated to the South-West of Kinneil House. This photograph was taken as part of the Bo'ness Urban Survey to illustrate the character of the Kinneil Area of Townscape Character.

Archaeology Notes

This house, which stands on the N side of the stable yard, 7 chains NE of Kinneil House, is pointed out as the house where James Watt constructed the improved engine (Name Book 1856).

Name Book 1856; T J Salmon 1901.

Salmon, however, states that the outhouse where Watt constructed his first engine, for Dr Roebuck of Kinneil in 1768, is still to be seen, in a small enclosure, S of Kinneil House, where an abundant supply of water could be obtained from the Gil burn.

(Undated) information in NMRS.

NS 9820 8051. A small ruined building to the SW of Kinneil House is generally accepted as that where Watt developed his steam engine. Beside it is a cylinder from the engine.